The Humble Tarpaulin and Its Many Applications

A tarpaulin, commonly referred to simply as a "tarp," is a strong, flexible, water-resistant material that is most often used for protective covering or temporary shelter purposes. Tarpaulins are generally rectangular or square sheets constructed from heavyweight plastic, vinyl, canvas, or other durable fabrics.

Materials and Construction

The materials used to manufacture tarpaulins each have their strengths and weaknesses suited to different applications. Proper material selection is important for ensuring a tarp will stand up to its intended use over the long term.

Polyethylene (PE)

Among the lightest and most inexpensive tarpaulin materials is polyethylene. Often coming in at weights under 10 ounces, PE tarps are excellent for temporary lightweight uses that don't require maximum durability.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

A step up in both weight and weather resistance is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. PVC tarps typically range between 10-18 ounces, and their dense plastic construction makes them highly waterproof while still retaining flexibility. PVC withstands damage from sunlight much better than PE as well.

Canvas

For durability that surpasses plastics, canvas tarps are often the preferred material. Canvas tarps commonly weigh 2-4 pounds for standard sizes, with heavyweight models exceeding 5 pounds. The dense woven fabric is extremely strong and flexible, yet breathable for applications that don't require complete waterproofing.

Common Uses of Tarps

With their light weight, packability, and waterproof qualities, tarps have found applications across multiple industries and activities both simple and complex. Here are some of the most prevalent ways tarps are employed:

Waterproof Covering and Protection

Whether covering vehicles, equipment, or materials in transit or storage, a tarp's water- and dust resistance make it ideal for protecting against rain, snow, and debris. Black Tarpaulin is commonly used to temporarily shield lawn furniture, woodpiles, machinery, and building sites from precipitation and UV light.

Temporary Shelter and Tents

An improvised shelter is one of the most fundamental uses for a tarp. Strung between trees with rope/cord guylines, tarped areas provide cover for camping trips, outdoor events, disaster relief zones, and construction job shacks. Marines famously employ their "poncho tents" for bivouacking on deployments.

Construction and Renovation Covers

At demolition and job sites, heavy-duty tarps coupled with framing and anchoring securely shroud work areas, material piles, and waste bins from inclement weather to keep projects on schedule. Larger breathable tarps can even tent in entire structures under renovation.

Vehicle and Equipment Covers

Whether for long-term outdoor storage or daily transportation, tarpaulins protect vehicles of all types from environmental factors like sunlight, rain, condensation, and bird droppings that can damage paint and components over time. Farm equipment, boats, and classic cars alike benefit.

Storage and Moving Covers

Storage tarps are frequently used to protect possessions of all sizes when in transit or long-term storage. Furniture, boxes, vehicles, and more can be securely bundled under waterproof tarps to protect against dirt, dust, and moisture damage during moves, shipping, or seasonal storage.

Advertising and Signage

Due to their large size and durable printable surfaces, Tarpaulin has found its purpose within several signage and promotion applications. Tarps turned signs provide eye-catching advertising for events, sales, political campaigns, and more whether hung visibly or laid directly on the ground.